Irish Bishop Proposes Driver's Prayer Leading Up to Holiday Weekend

Says Obligation of Caring for Neighbors Extends to the Road

Ahead of this August bank holiday weekend in the Republic of Ireland, Bishop Liam MacDaid of Clogher called on all road users -- motorists, cyclists and pedestrians -- to take special care of themselves and their loved ones.

Bishop MacDaid said, “Up to 31 July the recorded 2014 road fatality figures stood at 112 for the Republic and 43 for the North. This loss of human life is heart-breaking for the loved ones of the deceased and a tragedy for our society as a whole. Ahead of our two August bank holiday weekends (2,3 and 4 in Republic and 23,24 and 25 in Northern Ireland) I am asking all road users to exercise particular vigilance in terms of safety and to be responsible on the roads over the coming days and weeks.

“Care for one another in our community is a basic human value which travels across different faiths and cultures. This duty of care also applies to our road use and it is fundamental to the common good of all in society.”

Bishop MacDaid concluded, “As individuals we have an obligation to exercise a duty of care to other road users by improving our driver behaviour and, at a public policy level, this improved behaviour needs to be matched by effective strategic planning and greater resourcing.”

Bishop MacDaid recommends the following dedicated prayer for motorists which may be recited before driving, especially during the busy holiday month of August when so many more people are on the roads:

Prayer for motorists before driving

Before I take my place behind the wheelI pray, O Sacred Heart – Guide me on my way.Virgin Mary, Morning Star, from every danger guide this car.Thou dear Lord who gave it to enjoy,Grant that its purpose be to save and not destroy.Amen